Translation

Dear Readers,

I was in the shower, and began thinking about various questions and teaching moments I had on my mission. One in particular is both simple and complicated to answer

The gentleman had studied quite a bit about the Mormon religion, and one of his problems with Joseph Smith being a real Prophet was his work with translation, particularly the Abrahamic papers, as I call them. We know them now as the Book of Abraham in the Pearl of Great Price. Some of the papers are contained in various museums, and the "translators" of those papers say that they are nothing at all close to what Joseph Smith "translated" them as.

There are several different ways of explaining this away. Firstly, the amount of papers that Joseph Smith described was quite large, thus the papers the surfaced might have been some that he did not translate.

Next, and more importantly to truly understand, is the very nature of true "translation". We, as mortal humans, tend to view "translation" from the example of translating one language into another. Though this is arguably, as I will show here, more of transcription. You are transcribing the same exact message or words, just into a language that other people can understand.

True "translation", or at least in the religious sense, the same sense in which the scriptures mean it, as well as Joseph Smith when he translated the Abrahamic papers as well as the Holy Bible, is much more profound, because God is involved. Literally, God is the interpreter, not man and their knowledge, of what is written down. He, in His magnificence, always leaves whatever He touches better than when He started. Indeed, He adds revelation into the mix.

So, with the Abrahamic papers, we, of a surety have the facsimiles, which are Egyptian hieroglyphics seemingly referencing to, or portraying part of the message translated. In the above case, when Terrah, Abraham's father, tried to have an Egyptian priest sacrifice Abraham to the Egyptian gods.

Though, what I would like to point out, is that even if the Book of Abraham does not read word for word what this facsimile says, does not mean that it was not translated correctly.

When Joseph Smith translated the Holy Bible, usually there was only a word change or mean here or there, sometimes a story was a little miss aligned, like with the two accounts in the book of Acts describing Christ's visitation to Saul on the road to Damascus. The first account says that the others with him heard the voice, but saw no one, and the second account says that the others saw a bright light, but heard no voice. Both accounts were written by the same person, in the same book, and thus it took divine inspiration to know which one is correct.

In the LDS scripture quads which contain the Old and New Testaments, the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, there is a section in the back called Joseph Smith Translation, in which quite a bit of different chapters changed. Though this is not the most drastic of the changes. In the Book of Moses found in the Pearl of Great Price, which was Joseph Smith's translation of Genesis, we find an entire, lengthy, account of the people of Enoch which God saw fit to reveal. In this account, it clearly shows how an entire city, the city of Enoch, became so righteous that the entire city was translated and taken up into heaven.

Not only does this show what Joseph Smith meant when he said that he translated a passage of scripture or papyri, but also gives a new use of the word translate. In the church, we talk about translated beings... or at least some of us do. They are people, like Moses, Elijah, John the Beloved, or the 3 Nephites who never tasted of death. They were either taken up into heaven, or were changed from mortality to immortality and continue to walk among us.

Of the 3 Nephites, Mormon, the man who abridged the Book of Mormon, comments: "But behold, since I wrote, I have inquired of the Lord, and he hath made it manifest unto me that there must needs be a change wrought upon their bodies, or else it needs be that they must taste of death; Therefore, that they might not taste of death there was a change wrought upon their bodies, that they might not suffer pain nor sorrow save it were for the sins of the world." (3 Nephi 28:37-38).

When contemplating this, I thought back to DNA. DNA is like a blue print of our bodies, how to make us, almost written down. So, if God translated them, maybe He read through their DNA and did exactly what He did when Joseph Smith translated. He removed those things that are incorrect, making it right again, as well as added things to make it more perfect.

Like divine translation of the bible makes the body of scripture more correct, more perfect, more Godly, divine translation of a human genome makes that individuals body more correct, more perfect, and more Godly.

Understanding this divine, wonderful, amazing doctrine helps us understand why Joseph Smith phrased the Articles of Faith the way he did. Article of Faith 8: "We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God."

Once, as a mistake, I was asked by an investigator on my mission, whether or not the church's stance was still the Bible is the word of God as far as it is translated correctly. I told him that the church's stance did not change, but that I believed that even if it is translated correctly, humans can still misinterpret it.

Now I know, and do still regret replying in that way, that true divine translation makes it more perfect, and that a perfect passage of scripture cannot me misinterpreted.

I leave you with this knowledge and enlightenment in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

Love,
Jacobugoth

Facebook Request 4: My Testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Dear Readers,

This is the last of my Facebook requests that I have so far received. I had originally asked for requests in the hopes that I could find more narrow subjects to bear my testimony on... instead, a lovely girl by the name of Shy asked me to just bear my testimony. So this post is dedicated to her.

I was raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Being thus raised, I was surrounded by the Mormon influence, but what I found, especially around the age of 17, is that all I had gained was a testimony that God is my Father, and that Jesus Christ is His son and my Savior. I mostly chalk this up to the gift of the Spirit, (Moroni 10:11) "and to another, exceedingly great faith...". Though, it is also from having so many of my prayers answered. Indeed, I have such great faith that my prayers can be answered, and that Jesus Christ and God the Father are real, that I would refer to it more as knowledge than faith.

Growing up, I have always been a very strange, weird child. Generally a freak. So, at the age of 17, I decided to pray one night, with all of my heart, as the most desperate desire of my soul, to know why I am the way that I am. I was answered through my dream. It contained two parts, though I will only mention the relevant meaning of the second part, because I hold both very dear and close to my heart. My answer was: there are people in this world, that only I can help, because I am the way that I am.

I had not considered even serving a mission. My family was very understanding about it. They would like me to serve a mission, but they did not expect or require it of me. I am very thankful to them for that, because I know that the pressures in the church can send young men onto a course, that may be a righteous course, but trodden begrudgingly, and is soon departed from.

So, with the age to serve a mission being 19, and I was close to being 18, I actually considered going, probably for the first time in my life. I just figured, that if there are people out there that only I can help, then serving a mission would be a good way to try and find them. But, I wanted to make sure that what I would be called to preach on my mission was true.

I knew that there is a God in Heaven, that Jesus Christ was His Son, and I knew that they answered prayers. This got me on the path of studying out my beliefs. I rationally figured that serving a mission would be a good way of find those I am meant to help, but, since I did not know if the doctrine was true, I was completely willing to leave the church and find God's true church, wherever that may be. I believe I was 18 by this point, and again, knowing how understanding my parents are, knew that they would not look down on me should I walk a different path.

Without the distractions of peer pressure or doubt, I planned ahead. I had found, at a nearby park, a location that I felt really close to. Like my own little wooded area. My own sacred grove. I chose a Monday morning to walk out to this location, and kneel down to ask my Father in Heaven if the Book of Mormon was true and if Joseph Smith was indeed His Prophet, a true Prophet. Part of why I felt so inclined to choose a location, in nature, and to pray there, is because in my studying of the church, I found that I related to Joseph Smith.

I too felt that the powers of darkness had combined against me, almost in my infancy. My mother had a stroke when she was pregnant with me. I grew up a freak, feeling like I had no friends, like I was alone. For years, tried to keep my suffering in silence as I battled depression. I felt like God must have an amazing plan for me, and important plan. Indeed, part of me, expected to receive an undeniable witness of God's will, possibly through the visitation of a heavenly messenger.

Note: this is not the place, but same park

When I reached my destination, I took off my glasses, and kneeling down, my face in my hands, bent low, I prayed to my Father in Heaven. I told Him the desires of my heart, that I know He is real, I know Jesus Christ is real, I know I am willing to follow Him, I desire to know which church is true, if the Book of Mormon is true, if Joseph Smith was a true Prophet. I poured out this desire, like the tears from my face. Then, after closing in Christ's name, I waited. I waited some more. When my tears finally dried, I straitened my back and looked up at the sun, shinning through the trees. I felt no different. No burning in my bosom, as the scriptures say. I did not feel more loved, I did not feel like I received an answer at all.

Replacing my glasses, I stood up and just began to walk, wandering around the park. I don't think that I saw anyone else there. I walked, and walked, for several hours, just looking at the beauty around me, and trying to figure out why my prayer was not answered.

Finally it dawned on me... almost like a voice in my head that was not quite mine. From that very morning I felt peaceful. Even on my walk to my own personal sacred grove, did I not hear the birds chirping so wonderfully. Were not all of my senses heightened, and just filled with peace. Indeed, this entire morning, wandering out here, has this feeling departed from me? No. I know that God answers prayers, and if there was ever a point in my life for Him to lead me onto the right path, this would be it. So, maybe this peace is the answer to my prayer, an answer that He chose to give before I even asked the question.

This is when I learned, for myself, a true, deeper meaning of faith. If God wanted me on another path, He could have told me, so this must be the right path, at least for now. So yes, this could be considered convincing myself, but I "CHOSE" to accept the peace as my answer. I learned that faith is not something you acquire, nor is it something that is given to your, or that you spontaneously have. Faith is a choice. A choice to do good, to follow God. Faith is choosing the better part. That day, I chose.

With this testimony, I went forth and served a mission for the LDS church, preaching Mormonism, or more properly called, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. On that two year journey, I learned so much. I learned that, because God could do such a better job than snot nosed twenty-year-olds, that the mission is less for actual missionary work, and is more for the missionary. I learned more about myself than all the years before hand. I learned more about my body, and it's limitations and strengths. I learned more about the doctrine, feeding and building upon my testimony.

I also had the opportunity to learn more about other religions, and I found out that this is the most true church on the earth, indeed, if ANY other church currently upon the earth was true, my very soul would not be satisfied. I like how the mother of my favorite mission companion put it... though I don't remember her exact words. She roughly said, that the majority of religions, especially all of the variations of Christianity, teach the same thing. Do unto others and you want them to do to you. Be nice, serve God. Love one another. So if so much is the same, then it is the differences that should matter. Indeed, all of that love and doing good is what happens in this life. It is what happened before this life, and what happens after this life, that makes the most difference.

I learned from a Jehovah's Witness that they believe that all our "spirits" are actually just part of God's Spirit, thus it is a portion of His spirit that enters us for the breath of life. For me, this does destroy some sense of individuality... "'I' think, therefore 'I' am". So that does not sit right with me. Then, they believe in an afterlife quite Biblically based. That when Christ comes again, He will govern this world, and that those who followed Him and His example, will be resurrected and live in paradise. The 144,000 chosen are to be resurrected, like Christ, as "spiritual" beings, or "celestial" beings, while the rest of the multitude of Christ's followers will be physical or of a "terrestrial" nature. For the rest of eternity, they will live in this paradise, with Christ as the King, and the 144,000 as other leaders, all under Jehovah. This kind of heaven sounds nice, I mean it is paradise, but it does not satisfy my soul. I know that eventually, science will all be mastered, and then life will just continue. No progress, no growth. Stagnant, for all eternity.

The same problem comes with other religions, either you are reincarnated over and over again, reach nirvana meaning nothingness or being part of everything, or you wind up in a heaven, where you are at peace, and restful, but without any progression. This could never satisfy my soul. I know what it is like to be blissful, but without some purpose, some cause, some growth, there is no satisfaction.

If you are reading this and you are not a Mormon, I hope that you understand that I mean no offence, especially if I did not represent or understand your religion very well. I ask for you to please comment your beliefs and maybe your testimony of why you believe your faith. I am merely trying to state my understanding of why the LDS church is the only religion that is true upon the earth. Indeed, this is the only religion that has answered every question I have had.

For, not only do we believe in a pre-existence as individuals with God, as His spirit children, we believe that after this life we can progress and become just like Him. For, what is the point of children, if they do not grow up and become like their parents.

I leave these things with you, that I know for myself that God lives, that Jesus is His Son and that He is the Christ, the same that lived a perfect life, suffered for us in the Garden of Gethsemane and gave His life on the cross all for our sake. I know that Joseph Smith is a true Prophet of God, that God bestowed upon him power and authority to translate the Book of Mormon which is a record of God's dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the American Continent, for God loves His children everywhere, and to restore the fullness of Christ's Gospel back to the earth. I know that the priesthood, or the authority to act in God's name is upon the earth, and that the mantle of Prophet-hood, as I call it, has been passed down to our current Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson. I know that God loves His children today, as in days past, and that He does speak to us today. He is not dead nor doth He sleep. I know that because of Christ, all will be resurrected from the dead, and then judged according to their works and desires of their hearts. I know that this mortal shell shall be outgrown and receive immortality, and I often pray for that day to come speedily. I leave these things with you, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the Holy Messiah, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Rock of Heaven, the Savior and Redeemer of the world, Amen.

Love,
Jacobugoth

Depression is of the Devil?

Dear Readers,

I am going to put up a bunch of warning flags on this one....
Firstly: This is just an hypothesis I have. It is not a personal belief, personal knowledge, nor is it                    doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Secondly: I think that this could happen, but I strongly desire more information, especially from my              readers, as to doctrine that could support or even disprove this hypothesis.
Thirdly: I have not prayed about this subject, so again, I have no confirmation from the Holy Ghost                as to whether or not this is true, or even partly true.
Fourthly: I have not even discussed this subject with religious leaders, so if any read this, I would                 love their input.
Lastly: I am mostly writing this as a means to get people thinking about depression and other mental disorders in a different way. From what I have seen, the way the world, and even members of the LDS faith, view and treat this subject is obviously not working.

So, let me describe my initial reasoning behind this hypothesis. I was a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I had had a very bad episode of depression a few months back, and was talking to an investigator (someone investigating and learning about the church). He was having difficulty with our, and the world's, view on feelings. Particularly praying to know the Book of Mormon was true, and receiving the "burning in the bosom" testimony or confirmation from God. His philosophy was that "I am in control of my feelings and emotions. If I want to make myself 'feel' good, I can make myself feel good. I can also make myself feel bad."

This is indeed a hard subject to try and teach, because too often we feel that we do not know if a prompting or inspiration from the Holy Ghost is just "from us" that we are just "convincing ourselves" of something, whether it is doctrine, or something we should do like service or charity. The official stance on this subject is that, anything and everything "...that which is from God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, everything which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God." (Moroni 7:13) So, when it comes to doing good, it does not matter if it is from you or from God, because it is still God's will. If it is you, then you have more fully aligned your will with God's will. If it is from God, then acting upon it will bring you closer to God.

If that is how knowing for promptings to do good works, then what about confirmations of truth? The fruit of the Spirit is "...love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance:" (Galatians 5:22-23) So, if we feel these things, then we are doing something according to God's will, because the Holy Ghost is confirming that to us.

Simply put, if these good feelings are from God, then then the painful, wicked, sorrowful, wrathful feelings are from the Devil.

Now, from the scientific perspective, emotions like love, anger, joy, and sorrow are all caused by chemicals in the brain. Technically, no one knows why these chemicals are released, other than as a result of stimuli. Sometimes, that stimuli can be our focusing on something sad, or remembering a happy time. But, as most of you know, this is only a temporary change in emotion. Quite often, these emotions come from outward stimuli: something someone said, or did, some event that has transpired. These we accept and understand, someone dies, we are sad, because that outward stimuli triggered chemical responses in the brain, or thoughts that then triggered the chemical responses.

What I am trying to say, is that we forget that the Holy Ghost and Satan are actual people, beings of spirit that we cannot see. They too can have give us stimuli. How?... I do not know, but as reason dictates, if it takes a spirit, whether our own or the Holy Ghost, to make us feel good, then another spirit (Lucifer, his angels, or spirits trapped in prison) could affect us as well.

Here are some questions to ask yourself:
Have I ever felt happy, joyful, or good for no reason?
Have I ever felt loved or at peace for no reason?
Have I ever felt sad or depressed for no reason?
Have I ever felt angry or upset for no reason?

Scientists would look at someone's emotional state and say, oh look, those chemicals were in your brain, that is why you felt that way. If you don't want to feel that way, let us fix it with these other chemicals to counteract it. This does not fix the source of the problem, just treats the symptoms.

I am hypothesizing that depression in particular, but possibly other mental illnesses that doctors consider a "chemical imbalance" might actually be caused by spiritual beings, and might actually be "outside of our control". I put "outside of our control" in quotation marks, because there are little things we can do to help... but as I myself know, they don't always work.

The scriptures say that "...God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that which ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (1 Corinthians 10:13). The Doctrine and Covenants Institute Student Manual also talks a little about this subject. In Section 76 sub-section Who Has Satan Singled Out As His Enemies? it says: "...All men have power to resist the devil. They who have tabernacles, have power over those who have not." (Teachings, pp. 189-190). Tabernacle is a term referring to a body. From these references we see that we are not exempt from temptation or the buffetings and attacks of Satan, but we can "resist" and "escape" them.

The manual goes on to quote President George Q. Cannon from Gospel Truth, 1:19-20. He said, "...It is true that some have greater power of resistance than others, but everyone has the power to close his heart against doubt, against darkness, against unbelief, against depression, against anger, against hatred, against jealousy, against malice, against envy.... We can help giving way to the" important phrase here "spirit of theft, and we can resist the spirit of lust." (italics, underline, and bold added).

From this we find that depression is along the other temptations of the devil, and that, at least in the case of theft and lust, can be attributed to spirits. The manual quote ends with this, "Whenever darkness fills our minds, we may know that we are not possessed of the Spirit of God, and we must get rid of it. When we are filled with the Spirit of God, we are filled with joy, with peace and with happiness no matter what our circumstances may be; for it is a spirit of cheerfulness and of happiness." Thus drawing the argument, if I am being possessed by a spirit, and it is not from God, then where is it from? If it is not of God, then it is of the Devil, especially if it is dark. So how can we try to fight it and "get rid of it"?

First, we can try thinking of good things, happy times, loved ones.... but as I said, this is a temporary fix, one that, often times, we have to use all of our strength to fight for. This is the equivalent of our spirit trying to impress or express more influence on our bodies to counteract whatever other influences might be struggling for control. In essence, the spiritual side of giving medication, trying to treat the symptom, while the cause is still there.

Sometimes, it may discourage the "cause", but quite often, it is an upward struggle that wears us down. To the point that we can give in and be swallowed up by these emotions.

If my hypothesis were to be true, it would explain so much. It would explain why, when you are trying to live your life as best as you can, following God and serving Him, you still feel crummy, lonely, sad, depressed, or even miserable. Satan wants to usurp God's power and influence wherever he can, and though you are heeding the counsels and promptings of God, you are still "buffeted" by Satan and his influence.

This reminds me of the metaphor Helaman spoke to his sons, Nephi and Lehi, in Helaman 5:12 of the Book of Mormon.  Paraphrased: build a foundation upon the solid rock, which is Christ, and when the Devil shall send his whirlwinds and mighty storm, they will not drag you down.

If we have that foundation of Christ, hold to it, draw strength from it, we will be able to stand. It does not say that the Devil will no send his wrath upon you, just that it will have no victory over you. Just as with Christ's parable in Matthew 7 about the wise man and the foolishman. The rains and floods came upon both houses, depression, despair and sorrow come upon us all from time to time, but the wise man, who hearkened unto the words of Christ, was not swept away.

Also, I noticed that when I am depressed, that my environment has quite a bit of influence. During that particular episode on my mission, I was living in a basement, with the stone walls, and windows that did not allow in direct sunlight. The ceiling was bare with the support beams visible. It felt like being in a prison. I also noticed, that being around good people, especially friends, even if I did not want to interact with them, that merely being around them would make me feel better. There is something about being in the right place, especially a holy place, like the temple, or at church, that helps. If this hypothesis is true, it could mean that being around so much good influence either drowns out the bad, or discourages the source of the bad. If the hypothesis is not true, it could mean that just being around other people helps keep your mind off of things.

Again, going back to science, because truth is not just found in religion, but also in the world around us. Scientists have found that several mental disorders are linked with genes that can be passed on from one generation to another. Depression is one of those. Now, this fact alone could disprove my hypothesis, in that depression is actually just caused by the faulty genes of our mortal bodies in this fallen world. But, should my hypothesis be true, it could mean that there are genes that influence the body into being more susceptible to spiritual interactions. This would explain how some people could be more "spiritual" than others, like those who claim that they are mediums and psychics. I used the word claim, because I neither confirm nor deny that they could have those powers, but I do acknowledge that there are many forgeries of such gifts out there. This is also substantiated by my earlier quote from President George Q. Cannon, "...that some have greater power of resistances than others..."

Lastly, the best thing we can do is heed President George Q. Cannon's council, as well as the counsel of Prophets of God throughout the ages, and pray. "God has give this power unto all of us, and we can gain still greater power by calling upon Him for that which we lack." (Gospel Truth, 1:12-20). "Pray always, that you may come off conqueror; yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work." (Doctrine and Covenants 10:5)

So, in conclusion, having not really proven or dis-proven anything, I shall restate my hypothesis: that maybe chronic depression, anger or any similar emotional states, might be caused by influences of beings from the unseen world. I strongly desire your comments as to whether or not you think this could be, or if any of the Prophets or Apostles have spoken on this matter, words that might help me, and others, to find more light on this subject. Thank you, I hope that this has got you thinking. I am looking forward to your comments.

Love,
Jacobugoth

Blacks and the Priesthood

Dear Readers,

I felt like, because of my service to the Lord on my mission, that I need to do what I can to help people come to understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ and come to understand God's reasons for some of the things that He does. Things that some people might find as road blocks to their progress.

So, today I will be talking about Blacks and the Priesthood. It is known that for several years in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints, black males could not hold the Priesthood of God. Roughly 1830-ish to 1978. I know this may be strange, but I will start from the end and work back to the beginning.

Official Declaration 2, found after the Doctrine and Covenants in the Standard Works, states, "One September 30, 1978, at the 148th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints... In Early June of this year, the First Presidency announced that a revelation had been received by President Spencer W. Kimball extending priesthood and temple blessings to all worthy male members of the Church. President Kimball has asked that I advise the conference that after he had received this revelation, which came to him after extended meditation and prayer in the sacred rooms of the holy temple he presented it to his counselors, who accepted it and approved it. It was then presented to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who unanimously approved it, and was subsequently presented to all other General Authorities, who likewise approved it unanimously."

"Dear Brethren: As we have witnessed the expansion of the work of the Lord over the earth, we have been grateful that people of many nations have responded to the message of the restored gospel, and have joined the Church in ever-increasing numbers. This, in turn, has inspired us with a desire to extend to every worthy member of the Church all of the privileges and blessings which the gospel affords.

"Aware of the promises made by the prophets and presidents of the Church who have preceded us that at some time, in God's eternal plan, all of our brethren who are worthy may receive the priesthood, and witnessing the faithfulness of those from whom the priesthood has been withheld, we have pleaded long and earnestly in behalf of these, our faithful brethren, spending many hours in the Upper room of the Temple supplicating the Lord for divine guidance.

"He has heard our prayers, and by revelation has confirmed that the long-promised day has come when every faithful, worthy man in the church may receive the holy priesthood, with power to exercise its divine authority, and enjoy with his loved ones every blessing that flows therefrom, including the blessings of the temple. Accordingly, all worthy male members of the Church may be ordained to the priesthood without regard for race or color. Priesthood leaders are instructed to follow the policy of carefully interviewing all candidates for ordination to either the Aaronic or the Melchizedek Priesthood to insure that they meet the established standards for worthiness.

"We declare with soberness that the Lord has now made known his will for the blessing of all his children throughout the earth who will hearken to the voice of his authorized servants, and prepare themselves to receive every blessing of the gospel."

End of quote.

So this was the good, nay, great, nay amazing, awesome, and fantastic news that was declared unto the saints of God in 1978. This brings us to the question as to why this revelation had to be given. The Church's official stance on that subject, which can be found in the heading of the Official Declaration 2, is that "Early in its history, Church leaders stopped conferring the priesthood on black males of African decent. Church records offer no clear insights into the origins of this practice. Church leaders believed that a revelation from God was needed to alter this practice and prayerfully sought guidance."

In this heading, it is also found that, "Throughout the history of the Church, people of every race and ethnicity in many countries have been baptized and have lived as faithful members of the church. During Joseph Smith's lifetime, a few black male members of the Church were ordained to the priesthood." Which gives the impression, that similar to the practice of plural marriage, the fullness of Christ's Gospel was restored, but then parts were taken away because the saints were not and/or the world was not worthy or willing to live by those standards. As plural marriage was taken away because of some saints corrupting that practice, as well as the world using it as a source of persecution, the law of consecration was dealt with as well. The saints took the law of consecration,which removes the idea of belongings and changes it to more of stewardship, because truly everything is ultimately in God's possession and we are simply taking care of and using it. The saints used this as an excuse to "steal" from other saints. Thus the law was lessened to the Common Law practice, which again the saints proved they could not live by, so now we have fast offerings, Bishop's storehouses, and other programs trying to help take care of the children of God.

Then there was also Moses and the tables of testimony that he took down from Mt Sinai. First he brought down the higher law, which Christ taught, only to find that already the Israelites had built themselves a golden calf and had began worshiping it. In his frustration he smashed those stone tablets, and returned up the mountain. There he received the 10 commandments as well as the lesser laws of animal sacrifice.

So, I believe, it was with the blacks and the priesthood. Likely due to the racism from both the world, and the saints, that privilege was lost for a time, and was thankfully restored in 1978. Now, as with times past, the Church leaders leaned upon truth to "justify" these lower standards. For the purpose that the children of God might not sin as much against a greater light. Among these truths were those concerning the curse which God placed upon Cain and his seed.

Brigham Young said in the Journal of Discourses volume 7 pages 290-291 " Cain slew his brother. Cain might have been killed, and that would have put a termination to that line of human beings. This was not to be, and the Lord put a mark upon him, which is the flat nose and black skin. Trace mankind down to after the flood, and then another curse is pronounced upon the same race—that they should be the “servant of servants;” and they will be, until that curse is removed; and the Abolitionists cannot help it, nor in the least alter that decree. How long is that race to endure the dreadful curse that is upon them? That curse will remain upon them,and they never can hold the Priesthood or share in it until all the other descendants of Adam have received the promises and enjoyed the blessings of the Priesthood and the keys thereof. Until the last ones of the residue of Adam's children are brought up to that favorable position, the children of Cain cannot receive the first ordinances of the Priesthood. They were the first that were cursed, and they will be the last from whom the curse will be removed. When the residue of the family of Adam come up and receive their blessings, then the curse will be removed from the seed of Cain, and they will receive blessings in like proportion."

Firstly, here, we find that Brigham Young declares that the curse of Cain was indeed the traits or genes of the African Race. I know that I have heard rumors among the Mormon community, especially in my youth, that Cain is Sasquatch or Big Foot, Yeti, Yowie, the Skunk Ape, or whatever large prime-ape beasts of legend that are similar in appearance to those I have already mentioned. This is clearly not so.  

Here is something to remember about God, something very important. Everything God does is for the benefit of His children. From the Israelites being commanded to slaughter entire civilization, to curses like Cain and the Lamanites (Native Americans). This curse placed upon the seed of Cain, as well as upon the seed of Laman and Lemule from the Book of Mormon is both spiritual and physical. Physical being the literal changing of genes to be expressed in this fallen world, and spiritual because of their own choices. Just because someone is born black, does not mean that they are also spiritually cursed. 
The physical curse has a purpose, the purpose of remembrance. In ancient Israel, the priests would tie a band around their head, upon which was placed a scroll inscribed with a scripture passage. This was done, so that they could remember either the blessings that God has done for their ancestors, or to remember things that they need to work on.

As for the African and Native American races, their scroll of remembrance is their very skin. A constant reminder that there is a God in heaven, that He has promised to reach out to them and their children, and that they can reach out to Him by putting off the natural man, which we all have to do. Indeed, sometimes I wonder if having such a strong reminder of these things, such as the color of my skin, would help me in my own spiritual progression.

Secondly, Brigham Young pointed out prophecies about the seed of Cain. That they would be the "servant of servants;" which has been fulfilled with the obscene amounts of slavery that they have been subjected to. Then that they would never hold the Priesthood or partake of the blessings of the temple until all of the descendants of Adam have received the promises God has given them. As President Spencer W. Kimball stated in the Declaration, the Gospel of Jesus Christ had been spread to the world, though not accepted by all, at least the opportunity has been presented to them. Thus those prophecies have not only been fulfilled, but with the promise that the curse would be lifted.

I loudly declare that the spiritual curse of Cain has been lifted, as long as his descendants choose to live worthy of such. As we all know, from the Fall of Adam and Eve, this entire world is fallen and "cursed" for the sake of the children of God. Thus, because the curse upon Cain was also a physical one, a curse in and of the world, that portion shall remain until the world passes away, and is renewed again.

In the Book of Mormon Student Manual, chapter 8, there is clarity given by President Joseph Fielding Smith. He said, concerning the curse placed upon the Lamanites in 2 Nephi 5, that "The dark skin was placed upon the Lamanites so that they could be distinguished from the Nephites and to keep the two peoples from mixing. The dark skin was the sign of the curse [not the curse itself]. the curse was the withdrawal of the Spirit of the Lord..." In a similar way, the curse that came upon Cain could be of like nature. The black skin is just a sign, or reminder of the curse. Like a beware of falling rocks sign along the highway. It does not mean that rocks are currently falling, but that one should be careful because they might.

I realize that this is a very delicate and sensitive subject that I am likely not treading as carefully or with as much tact as I should, but bluntly God is not a liar, and He has prophesied and made promises concerning the seed of Cain, and those prophecies have been fulfilled, save it be the salvation of all of mankind. That prophecy we all can now look forward to being fulfilled, when Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, shall return again.

The time for racism is past. Let us look forward to that great and wonderful day of the Lord together as the family of Adam! Let not the trials of the past hold you back from embracing the future! These things I leave with you, and I hope that you learn from them.

Love,
Jacobugoth

Polygamy

Dear Readers,

I felt like doing a post about something that several people find troubling about the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am writing this post to express my beliefs and knowledge on the subject of Polygamy for the purpose of helping those who may view this subject as a stumbling block, as well as to inform those who may just want to learn more about God's reasons for plural marriage.

I should WARN those who read this, that I will be going into some depth on this subject. If you feel that you might be shacky in your testimony of Joseph Smith Jr as a Prophet, or any of the succeeding Presidents of the church as Prophets, Seers, and Revelators, then I advise that you skip this blog post, at least until your faith and testimony becomes stronger and firmer.

That all being said, let us start with the first well known polygamist in the scriptures, namely Abraham. First record we have of Abraham (Abram) being married is in Genesis 11:29 "And Abram and Nahor took them wives: the name of Abram's wife was Sarai;..." Now this marriage lasted for many years and through much hardship, including Sarah (Sarai) being barren, having to pass through Egypt and having Pharaoh desire Sarah as a wife, having countless promises from the Lord that Abraham would be the "father of many nations", and even the ordeal of having Abraham's nephew Lot being held as a military prisoner. So it is clear and evident that Abraham truly and completely loved Sarah, his wife, and that she loved him. Else why would they stay together for so long.

Now in Genesis 16 comes the Jerry Springer part of this union. Abraham and Sarah have both gotten old in years, and because Sarah has not yet born any children, she gives Hagar, her Egyptian handmaid to Abraham to be a second wife. I have heard it argued that Hagar was only a "concubine" which is kind of a bondwoman who is kept for the use of procreation. This is not the case, for in verse 3 the word "wife" is used. Now, because the culture of the time did indeed include the common practice of concubines, Sarah giving Hagar to Abraham was acceptable. So Hagar conceived and had a son, because of this, Hagar became jealous and, I guess you could say, wanted Abraham to love her alone. Sarah saw this hatred or "despise" in her eyes, and talked to Abraham about the growing contention. Abraham, being the wise man that he was, said roughly, I am not getting in the middle of this, you two figure it out yourselves.

Then Sarah "dealt hardly" with Hagar, so Hagar fled into the wilderness. There, by a fountain, an angel of the Lord appeared unto Hagar and told her to return to her family, and even made prophecies about her seed. Eventually she returned and bore Ishmael. Then, when Abraham was around 100 years old, he was told that Sarah shall conceive and bear a child, while she was around 90 years old, and really past menopause. This, chapter 17 of Genesis, is when the covenant promise is given to Isaac, Sarah's son, instead of Ishmael, who in truth, because of tradition, should have been the rightful heir. Yet God has a way of calling the underdogs, as with Jacob vs Esau which I will cover quite soon. Anyway, continuing with Abraham, after Isaac was born, Ishmael was "mocking" Isaac, and Sarah did not like this. I would like to point out here, that with the law of Moses, though it was not yet instituted, children who mocked or dishonored their parents or siblings were put to death. So, Abraham, likely having similar rules in his culture, took what I feel is compassion, and rose up early, prepared bread and a bottle of water and gave it to Hagar and sent her and Ishmael away into the wilderness. Thus proving that he loved Hagar and Ishmael and wanted to spare their lives. Now part of why Abraham did this is because he knew God's promises both towards Isaac being the covenant people, as well as the seed of Ishmael being a great nation in their own right.

So was the end of that marriage, which, in all likely hood, would have lasted as long as they had lived, at least. If it were not for this dispute/transgression. Now, I learned something new when I began researching, that Abraham took another wife named Keturah after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah as well as Abraham's attempt to sacrifice Isaac. She, Keturah, bore Abraham many sons. Again Keturah was a "wife" while later in Genesis 25:6 it says that Abraham sent all of the sons of his "concubines" (plural) away. Now, at this time, Abraham had Sarah and Keturah as wives, and how many concubines, we know not.

Now Isaac was raised up, and took Rebekah to wife. Then Rebekah bore Jacob and Esau. Though Esau came out first and was hairy and red already, followed by Jacob who was hanging onto his heal. When they two grew up, Esau, being very hungry, sells his birthright to Jacob for some soup. Now this was done without witnesses, and Isaac favored Esau, so when the time came for the blessings of their inheritance, Jacob, with Rebekah's help, posed as Esau and received the blessing, which Esau had sold. Therefore Esau had no right to it. Now what does this have to do with plural marriage... nothing, I just like the story of Jacob and Esau.

Anyway, Jacob travels and meets Rachel at a well. He then talks to her father Laban and they make a deal, that Jacob will work for Laban for 7 years. This is where I would like to emphasize that there were no rights of women in these days. There are many who oppose marriage, especially the ceremony, because it represents them being sold as property. It is a sad truth, that women were indeed considered property, but it is also true that they were "sold" for two reasons. First, because the man wanted to marry that woman, but also, because of the father's love, he wanted to make sure that his daughter went to someone who could afford to take care of her. For this cause did Jacob prove his love for Rachel by working for Laban those first 7 years. Now, when it came time for Rachel and Jacob to be united, Laban had Jacob marry his older daughter Leah instead. Jacob was very upset about this, because, with the veil concealment of the wedding ceremony, he did not discern this deception until the morning afterwords. But Jacob loved Rachel so much, that he agreed to work for Laban 7 more years to get Rachel as a wife.

So, after 14 years Jacob was completely lawfully married to both Rachel and Leah. So they go off and once again find that the wife that Jacob loves, Rachel, is having difficulty having children. So Leah bore the first of Jacob's children. Because Jacob is a wealthy man, through the efforts of Abraham and Isaac, not to mention those 14 years he worked for Laban, his wives had maids or handmaidens. Now these also he married and had children with, they are Bilhah and Zilpah. They were indeed wives, because their children received an inheritance as tribes of Israel.

So, we have these two stories about Old Testament polygamy, and what are some common denominators? First, there was one wife that they truly loved. Second they had a means whereby to proved for them, Third, they had enough love to care for other wives as well as the first. Fourth because women were considered property, they needed to be cared for, not legally allowed to do so on their own. And lastly, polygamy was legally allowed in their culture.

Lets see if the accounts of David and Solomon follow this 5 step acceptance of polygamy. The first wife David married was Michal, the daughter of King Saul, and he bought her with 200 foreskins cut off of the Philistines. Now, as Saul's anger and hatred toward David grew, David had to flee and ended up living with the prophets for a time. Mean while, Saul ends up giving Michal to Phalti as a wife. David keeps running, and Saul keeps killing people trying to get David, Then David meets Abigail, and ends up marrying her. Wars break loose and Saul, with most of his household is slain. David gets Michal back from Phalti, but because he likes to dance and have fun in the streets, Michal no longer loves him, so David locks her away. To save you some long winded history, David marries more wives, all of whom he loved and cared for, but then he lusted after Bathsheba. So much so, that he committed adultery with her, and then had her husband, Uriah, slain in battle, so that he could marry her as a widow. Now, marrying someone you have sex with outside of the bounds of marriage is a good step towards the repentance process, but committing effectual murder to do so is not the best way to do that.

So what about David's son, Solomon? Solomon married many women of all ages, being king he could easily provide for them. He did love and care for his wives, even after his extremities stopped working. Indeed, that was when he married the youngest of his wives. But where he went wrong was allowing the women that he married from other cultures to persuade him to turn the people towards idol worship. This polluted both him, and his people.

Let us compare David and Solomon to the 5 steps of polygamy acceptance.
1. Loved 1 wife above others
       David loved Michal, and then Abigail.
       Solomon (1 Kings 11:1) "king Solomon loved many strange women".
2: Means to provide
       King David
       King Solomon
3: They had enough love for others
       King David truly loved
       King Solomon... See 1 Kings 11:1
4: women were considered property.... yes
5: was polygamy legal... yes... they were the kings and made the laws.

So, King David met all of the requirements, except for when he broke his covenants with Bathsheba.
King Solomon met most of the requirements, but did not seem to truly love and care for one woman. Which seems strange with the concept of polygamy, but I believe it was Jean Paul F. Richter who said "Love one human being purely and warmly, and you will love all." You have to know one pure wonderful love, to know how to truly love others. Thus Solomon's love was possibly polluted from the very beginning. 

This brings us to the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith, fell in love and married Emma Hale. Then, during the process of translating the Holy Bible, Joseph Smith asked God about plural marriage. He was trying to understand why God would permit such a thing, when Joseph knew how much such a thing would hurt Emma. God warned him that if he pushed the matter, Joseph would have to live by the laws and principles he would be taught. Joseph, did continue to inquire, and was told what purpose polygamy was instituted and permitted, nay, ordained of God. Because God loves his daughters so much, he wants them to be taken care of. He wants them to be protected and loved. Then, with this knowledge, God commanded Joseph to begin practicing plural marriage. It is true, that at first he hid this from Emma, probably because he knew how much it would hurt her, and how distressing it may appear without the knowledge and insight God had given him. 

So Joseph Smith began marrying many women, but he lived in a time in which the 5 rules applied.
1: Joseph Smith truly and irrevocably loved Emma Hale above all others, even himself.
2: Though the colonies were generally impoverished, Joseph Smith did have enough to provide.
3: He was the Prophet of the church, he not only had enough love for those wives that he married, but for all of the members of the church.
4: Whether we care to remember or not, women's rights is still a fairly new concept, and in the 1800's they were still considered property, meaning they could not own land, or anything for themselves. Giving credence to the prophecy given by Isaiah concerning the latter-days, "And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach." (Isaiah 4:1) Many of the women Joseph married were widows, because of the slaughter by the hands mobs against the early saints. So they were married and called in the Smith name that they may keep their property, and have someone to love and care for them.

I do not wish to sugar coat the truth, there were some of Joseph's wives that were young, as far as I know 16 was the youngest, but that does not mean that Joseph married them for any reason other than to love and care for them. I do not believe that he married any women because of the lusts of his own heart. Some people may argue, "Well, if providing for these women was the reason he marries them, then why did Joseph Smith have children with wives other than Emma?" Simply put, if you love someone in a marriage capacity long enough, and strong enough, physical love and emotions can arise, to which God has spoken in Doctrine and Covenants 132. "60. Let no one, therefore, set on my servant Joseph; for I will justify him; for he shall do the sacrifice which I require at his hands for his transgression, saith the Lord your God. 61. And again, as pertaining to the law of the priesthood -- if any man espouse a virgin, and desire to espouse another, and the first give her consent, and if he espouse the second, and they are virgins, and have vowed to no other man, then is he justified; he cannot commit adultery for they are given unto him; for he cannot commit adultery with that that belongeth unto him and to no one else. 62. And if he have ten virgins given unto him by this law, he cannot commit adultery, for they belong to him, and they are given unto him; therefore is he justified."

Quickly, I feel that I should touch on another controversial method in which Joseph Smith obtained wives. Both Joseph Smith and Brigham Young were well known for their testing the saints, especially those around them. So, along this line, Joseph Smith did try the faith of some of the brethren by asking for their wives in marriage. Many said no, and left the church, and their wives, behind. Thus Joseph married those women. But there are also accounts of brethren who said "yes" and Joseph told them that it would not be necessary, that they could keep their wives, and that they had proven their faith.

Lastly 5: Polygamy was not against the law in those days. It may not have been practiced, but there were no laws prohibiting it either.

So, Joseph Smith's call to plural marriage matched the outline set by Abraham and Jacob. After this manner he taught the brethren in the church. Indeed some, usually apostles or 70s, were called to practice polygamy. Now, as this doctrine spread there were groups who branched off of the church, or just families that corrupted this sacred institution, and the purpose for which it was commanded, in order satisfy their own lusts and desires. I will strongly declare, however, that plural marriage was instituted of God, and as with all commandments from the beginning of this world, it was corrupted by the father of lies, into the hiss and byword that it is considered today.

Before I continue, I wish to express my hope and desire that you have come to understand the rational or physical reasons for polygamy, including the obvious use of procreation, but now I will focus less on the temporal purposes, and more upon the spiritual.

Firstly, it is an easy assumption that throughout time, there have been more righteous women than men. Women have an inherit ability to hold on to faith, on to God, better and easier than men do. Thus, from the eternal, temple marriage sealing view, these righteous women have to be cared for in the life after death. Doctrine and Covenants 131:1-4 "1. In the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees; 2. And in order to obtain the highest, a man [or woman] must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage]; 3; And if he does not, he cannot obtain it. 4. he may enter into the other, but that is the end of his kingdom; he cannot have an increase."

God has provided a plan for all of us to obtain pure and lasting happiness, if we so desire. Thus He will not permit others to take such opportunities away from us because of their disobedience. Wherefore plural marriage, is ordained of God even after this life.

Next, Joseph Smith was called as a Prophet to restore Christ's Gospel. He performed this function to the best of his ability. The law of consecration, which did away with the concepts of property and focused more upon stewardship,  was something that Christ and His Apostles practiced. There was not one of them that withheld of their substance to the needy, for God provided for them, from day to day.

This may be hard for some of you to hear, to understand, or to accept, but it was the same with plural marriage. I testify to you, that Christ and the Apostles lived by these same laws. Jesus followed every commandment given to Him from His Father. How could He be perfect without doing so? God commanded Adam and Eve to multiply and replenish the earth. (Genesis 1:28) The Father has not revoked that commandment.

I enjoy quotes from the Journal of Discourses, but I will admit that I am wary of them because they are not openly accepted by the Church, just like the Apocrypha. So, generally, I try to remain with the discourses which were taken of Brigham Young's talks. I do not think that God would permit His Prophet to lead us astray. That being said, here is an amazing, quote from Orson Hyde who was President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. "I discover that some of the Eastern papers represent me as a great blasphemer, because I said, in my lecture on Marriage, at our last Conference, that Jesus Christ was married at Cana of Galilee, that Mary, Martha, and others were his wives, and that he begat children.
All that I have to say in reply to that charge is this—they worship a Savior that is too pure and holy to fulfil the commands of his Father. I worship one that is just pure and holy enough "to fulfil all righteousness;" not only the righteous law of baptism, but the still more righteous and important law "to multiply and replenish the earth." Startle not at this!" (Journal of Discourses v2 pg 210)

Then Brigham Young said in Journal of Discourses v13 pg 309 "The Scripture says that He, the Lord, came walking in the Temple, with His train; I do not know who they were, unless His wives and children; but at any rate they filled the Temple, and how many there were who could not get into the Temple I cannot say. This is the account given by Isaiah, whether he told the truth or not I leave everybody to judge for himself."

Indeed, upon praying and pondering upon this subject during Easter time, I felt the Holy Spirit of God manifest so strongly to my heart and soul, that, at the time Christ was resurrected, Mary Magdalene was so pained, so distraught, not just because her teacher, or her friend had been crucified and His body "taken", but because it was her very husband, her help-meet, her eternal companion who was the one taken from her, causing her to know not where His body was laid. That is why Christ, with all of His compassion and love appeared unto her first. He saw His beloved wife in the most sorrow and misery that she could be in, besides witnessing His death upon the cross. This moved Him to manifest Himself to her, in the physical resurrected state, to comfort her, but He could not let her touch Him. Not because He was still a spirit, for His body was taken from the tomb, but because throughout the eons of eternities that Jehovah, the Firstborn of the Father had been in the Father's presence in the spirit, Jesus could not truly touch, could not fully embrace His Father, not as a man embraceth his friend. So the undeniable right, because of His love for His Son and for compensation for having to leave Christ completely alone on the cross (Matthew 27:46) to go through all of that pain and suffering alone before death, has to be for the Father, who has a body as "tangible as man's" (Doctrine and Covenants 130:22) to be the first one to hug and embrace His resurrected Son.

Despite this right, Christ saw fit to appear to Mary Magdalene. Everyone else, Apostles and disciples alike, had to wait until Jesus had returned physically to the Father, but she, Mary, in Christ's eyes, could not wait, His love for her was too great. Indeed she was that one that He was able to love "purely and warmly" so that he could love all.

Now that I have sealed the doctrine of Jesus Christ of Nazareth being married with my own testimony, I shall also bear witness that Christ is resurrected and exalted even to the thrown of God. Which means that in conjuncture with Doctrine and Covenants 131:1-4, already mentioned, as well as with Journal of Discourses v11 pg269 in which the Prophet Brigham Young said, "The only men who become Gods, even the Sons of God, are those who enter into polygamy. Others attain unto a glory and may even be permitted to come into the presence of the Father and the Son; but they cannot reign as kings in glory, because they had blessings offered unto them, and they refused to accept them....I heard the revelation on polygamy, and I believed it with all my heart, and I know it is from God—I know that he revealed it from heaven; I know that it is true, and understand the bearings of it and why it is."

Indeed, whether in the mortal flesh or in the immortal state, Christ had to fulfill this law. I personally believe that He fulfilled this law while in the flesh, how else could He have been sufficiently perfect to perform the atonement. It was also possible in those days for Christ and His Apostles to fulfill the 5 requirements. Christ truly loved one woman, His family had the means to provide because of the gold, frankincense, and mirth given to Him by the Wise Men, as well as from all of the years of carpentry, to sustain themselves and possibly others during Christ's 3 year ministry. Christ absolutely had enough love for other wives. During this time women were still considered property and needed to be cared for, thus His pleading with John to take care of His mother Mary. (John 19:26-27) And lastly, like with Joseph Smith's time, polygamy may not have been commonly practiced, but there were no laws against it. 

So, if these laws, these commandments are still in force today, why does the church no longer perform plural marriages? The strait answer is that because of the persecution upon the church, caused by ignorance of the reason behind this practice, it became expedient for the fullness of this commandment to be taken from the earth. God's work is never frustrated, but the work of man is. God has the eternal perspective, and knows that we can be married after this life, and during the Millennium. For it is not the dead that are given in marriage, but the living, and as Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are living, so can we be also. (Matthew 22:32)

I do not feel that I have adequately expressed this reasoning in a clear manner, so I hope that this power point presentation will help. 
https://www.slideshare.net/secret/Ludcz0BGucwO5i

The Church has an official standing on this subject which can be found in the Official Declaration 1 at the end of the Doctrine and Covenants. Here is some quotes from that passage. "...Inasmuch as laws have been enacted by Congress forbidding plural marriages, which laws have been pronounced constitutional by the court of last resort, I hereby declare my intention to submit to those laws, and to use my influence with the members of the Church over which I preside to have them do likewise... Wilford Woodruff" (4th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

He is also known for this quote, "The Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as President of this Church to lead you astray. It is not in the program. It is not in the mind of God. If I were to attempt that, the Lord would remove me out of my place, and so He will any other man who attempt to lead the children of men astray from the oracles of God and from their duty." Which can be found after that Official Declaration 1.

So, because man has created laws in this day and age prohibiting plural marriage, we can not live this law openly as in days past, it does not mean that God's work has been frustrated. It only means that we are living up to our Articles of Faith. 12 "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law."

As an example of how the work of the Lord has not been frustrated:
Several sealings(marriage or bonds that last for time and for all eternity) took place vicariously soon after Joseph Smith's death, sealing living women to the diseased Prophet. Even so today, in the temple, sealings on behalf of the dead are performed. It is these sealings, and the opportunity  to receive endowed blessings from the Lord, that gave the early saints the strength to continue on. As pointed out in the presentation, that was the trade off for plural marriage. For, should the persecution had continued, the United States would have, and in some cases did, send troops over to the west and remove the property and holdings of the Church and church members. As I said, the work of God could not be frustrated, and it was not, for it is in the temple that we have the chance to still receive these blessings. As for the temporal reasons, specifically, the widow's need to be taken care of, laws began to emerge allowing women to hold property, especially in settling the prairies, as well as the institution of Home and Visiting teachers in the church. This allowed for those widows as well as other members of the church, to be visited and feel loved, wanted, and have their needs taken care of. 

So does this mean that if the laws should change and allow polygamy again, would we be able to practice it? I cannot say, but the knowledge that I have is based upon what Gordon B. Hinckley said in the October 1998 General Conference, "If any of our members are found to be practicing plural marriage, they are excommunicated, the most serious penalty the Church can impose. Not only are those so involved in direct violation of the civil law, they are in violation of the law of this Church."

In essence, there are the laws of God, and the laws of the church. As in Moses' day when Moses, as Prophet, allowed the Israelites to divorce their wives, which clearly was condemned by Jesus Christ (Matthew 19:3-9). That was a law of the Church, which can be below the laws of God because we are all weak, learning, and are tempted. But God will not suffer us to sin against a greater light if we are not prepared for it. (Doctrine and Covenants 82:3) Thus even if plural marriage is again legalized, it remains against the laws of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints until the Lord feels that it is time that it should be restored. 

I am closing this post with some scriptural references to get you thinking and wondering if what I have said is true. 

Job 1:2-3 "2. and there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters. 3. His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east."

Job 42:10 "And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before."

Job 42:12-13 "12. So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses. 13.he had also seven sons and three daughters." 

Job began with seven sons and three daughters, and God's promise was for him to have "twice as much", thus Job must still have his children after this life. 

Journal of Discourses v1 pg50 "When our father Adam came into the garden of Eden, he came into it with a celestial body, and brought Eve, one of his wives, with him. He helped to make and organize this world. He is Michael, the Archangel, the Ancient of Days! about whom holy men have written and spoken"

So if Eve was "one of his wives" that means that Adam was meant to marry others either later in his life, or after death

I sincerely pray that no one's faith has been shaken by this post, and that you will come to understand this doctrine as I have. May your testimony and faith continue to improve, strengthen and grow, and I welcome a healthy, civilized debate, if any who read this feel such is necessary. Also, If I was unclear on any principles about which I have spoken, I would love the opportunity to clarify it for you.

Love,
Jacobugoth

Facebook Request 3: The Glory of God is Intelligence

Dear Readers,

Because it has been requested on Facebook, by my wonderful Step-Mother Laina, I am please to post about The Glory of God is Intelligence.

This is a very deep subject of the gospel and I will endeavor to try explain it in such a way as those who read this may understand. It was John Taylor who said, "It is true intelligence for a man to take a subject which is mysterious and great in itself and to unfold and simplify it so that a child could understand it." (Journal of Discourses v 5 pg 260)

First of all, what is "intelligence"? Usually we think of how smart we are, whether book smarts from schooling, or "street smarts" or common sense from practical life experience. This is where, I feel, that worldly doctrine and confused intelligence with knowledge and wisdom. The clearest example that I know is with the saying, "Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing not to put a tomato in a fruit salad." I would argue and these are just aspects of intelligence, but not really what it is, or what it means to be intelligent.


God defines "intelligence" in Doctrine and Covenants 93:29-30 "... Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be. 30. All truth is independent in that sphere in which God has placed it, to act for itself, as all intelligence also, otherwise there is no existence." Intelligence is the light of truth. Not only that, but intelligence is sentient, alive, conscious, "to act for itself". I believe it was Socrates who said "Cogito, Egro Sum", "I think, therefore I am". Intelligence is the ability to think, not just something in our brains, but literally life in the most basic of all its forms.

Some people may say, "Where is the proof of that?". Well I say, let is try and experiment. As will all truth, you can experiment upon it and get an answer, if you are open to receive it. It was explained to me like this... (WARNING don't try until you finish reading the instructions, because the first one is close your eyes, and it is hard to read with your eyes closed.) INSTRUCTIONS {Close you eyes, and find your little "I Am". Wiggle your toes, is that above or below "you". What about your chest, your breathing, is that above or below you? Now touch your chin. What about your ears, are the above, below, or to the sides? Continue for your nose, eyes, back and top of your head, even your forehead.}Your little "I Am" is inside of your head. Inside of your brain.

So, with my limited knowledge about human anatomy, I would like to point out that it is not a coincidence that your little "I Am" or intelligence is about where the main nerve group is in the brain. Sorry, I do not know what it is called, yet it is my theory that either that part of the brain, or the brain matter itself is what communicates with our spirit. Thus it would make sense to me that our "I Am" would be located right there. Also, if while doing the experiment, you ran you finger down you forehead, you would find that right between your eyes is in front of "you". This, I wonder, is why so many people think of the "third eye" though that is traditionally located in the middle of the forehead.

Here is something fun, not only is intelligence life, but it is visibly seen as light. Like to old sayings about the light going out in your eyes. Though, it is not just any light, like sunlight or from a light bulb, it is the light of truth. Truth, not lies, not falsehoods, but truth is literally alive.

I like the subtle theme from "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter" that truth is strength. Which makes me wonder, if we are told to "feast upon the words of Christ" (2 Nephi 32:3) because the truth sets us free and is a kind of food for our spirits, what if that is more literal than we give it credit for. I mean God's light of truth fills the "immensity of space"  and gives "life to all things" (Doctrine and Covenants 88:12-13), what if, like sunlight is ultimately what feeds our physical bodies through the food chain, if God's light, if intelligence, is what feeds our spiritual bodies.

Again, something else fun, the scriptures say that we can gain intelligence, by gaining truth. In Daniel 11:30 Daniel sees a vision of several kings and of one he said "...so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant." Basically, that king will try to convince those who did "forsake the holy covenant" and show them the error of their ways with truth. Then in the Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith which can be found in the beginning of the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith said "... Accordingly, as I had been commanded, I went at the end of each year, and at each time I found the same messenger there, and receive instruction and intelligence from him at each of our interviews..."

When we learn truth, I mean really learn, almost absorb it, then we gain and increase in intelligence. Doctrine and Covenants 88:40 "For intelligence cleaveth unto intelligence; wisdom receiveth wisdom; truth embraceth truth; virtue loveth virtue; light cleaveth unto light;..." This is why some people love learning, and if you are taught truth, and taught it correctly, then it is good, you enjoy it. The very truth itself "cleaveth" or holds to, leans upon more truth, building like a snowball rolling down a hill, which sadly, living in Arizona, I have not actually seen.

Then God gives us a kind of promise in Doctrine and Covenants 130:18 "Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection." As we learn truth, whether knowledge or wisdom, that remains with us in the next life. Literally growing our life.

So if this is what "intelligence" is, where did it come from? Doctrine and Covenants 93:29 explains it quite well. "29. Man was also in the beginning with God. Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be." Yes I know I have used this scripture already, but it is a good one. Light of truth, or intelligence, cannot be created or made. You cannot create a false truth, nor can you create that intelligence that is life.

Now some may argue, but we create life all of the time, through procreation. That is not entirely true. To explain this, I will now talk about what intelligence does. We know that it acts, but what does it do?

 Abraham 3:21-23 "21. I dwell in the midst of them all; I now, therefore, have come down unto thee to declare unto thee the works which my hands have made, wherein my wisdom excelleth them all, for I rule in the heavens above, and in the earth beneath, in all wisdom and prudence, over all the intelligences thine eyes have seen from the beginning; I came down in the beginning in the midst of all the intelligences thou has seen. 22. Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones; 23. And God saw these souls they they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou was born."

I would like to point out some key words here, especially in verse 23. "Souls" in Doctrine and Covenants 88:15 "And the spirit and the body are the soul of man.". Abraham was shown the pre-mortal life, before we received bodies, and yet God "saw these souls". He saw their potential and what they were meant to be and become, "for [H]e stood among those that were spirits". Now what are "spirits"?


Doctrine and Covenants 131:7-8 "7. There is no such thing as immaterial matter. All spirit is matter, but it is more fine or pure, and can only be discerned by purer eyes; 8. We cannot see it; but when our bodies are purified we shall see that it is all matter." So, essentially, our spirits are bodies for our intelligence.

Here comes that deep doctrine I was talking about. In Journal of Discourses volume 7 page 2-3 Brigham Young, the second Prophet of this dispensation, said "If people understood true philosophy—eternal philosophy, they would understand that there is an eternity of matter. Astronomers estimate that there is between us and the nearest fixed star matter enough from which to organize millions of earths like this. There is an eternity of matter, and it is all acted upon and filled with a portion of divinity. Matter is to exist; it cannot be annihilated. Eternity is without bounds, and is filled with matter; and there is no such place as empty space. And matter is capacitated to receive intelligence. If we could so understand true philosophy as to understand our own creation, and what it is for - what design and intent the Supreme Ruler had in organizing matter and bringing it forth in the capacity that I behold you here today, we could comprehend that matter cannot be destroyed-that it is subject to organization and disorganization; and could understand that matter can be organized and brought forth into intelligence, and to possess more intelligence, and to continue to increase in that intelligence; and could learn those principles that organized matter into animals, vegetables, and into intelligent beings; and could discern the Divinity acting, operating, and diffusing principles into matter to produce intelligent beings, and to exalt them-to what? Happiness. will nothing short of that fully satisfy the spirits implanted within us? No.
You can daily observe the operations of the spirits of men in the streets of this city. There you can now see the world exhibited as it is. You can see people hurrying from the east to the west, from the west to the east, from the north to the south, and from the south to the north. Have they any object in view? Ask the traveler whether he has; ask the bystander whether there is an object in his mind. Whether I stand or walk, whether I labor or rest, lie down or rise up, in all my acts in life there is an object. I have something in view, you have something in view, and so has the whole human family, as also all intelligence of every grade."

So, firstly matter is "capacitated" or has the capacity or ability to receive or store intelligence, and the deepest, most motivating aspect of these intelligences is the need to be happy. That is what all life seeks, to be happy. Now, from what we have learned thus far, spirit is matter, and that matter can hold intelligence, but the physical elements are also matter, and also have spirit matter with them. That is why (see Creation post) God formed all things spiritually before they were physically there. 

God has created, or organized all things, but why so many different ones. Firstly Abraham 3:19 "And the Lord said unto me: These two facts do exist, that there are two spirits, one being more intelligent than the other; there shall be another more intelligent than they; I am the Lord thy God, I am more intelligent than they all."Therefore some intelligences are more intelligent than others, and God knew which ones were most like Him, thus created them in His image, and others He placed in different lesser orders, stages, or spheres.

2 Nephi 2:14 "And now, my sons, I speak unto you these things for your profit and learning; for there is a God, and he hath created all things, both the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are, both things to act and things to be acted upon." This is what we might call God science. God speaks to the spirit, to the intelligence of the the elements, those things which are made to be acted upon, and because He is God, their creator, their liberator, and so they listen and obey. For it is taught in the temple that when the earth was being created physically, it was waited upon to see if it would obey.

Also, 2 Esdras 6:41 of the Old Testament Apocrypha "41.Upon the second day thou madest the spirit of the firmament, and commandedst it to part asunder, and to make a division betwixt the waters, that the one part might go up, and the other remain beneath." 

Even so, that is how miracles are performed, whether Moses calling forth the plagues upon Egypt, or Jesus healing all manner of sicknesses, walking on water, or turning water into wine. Even when healings and other miracles are performed today, it is by God's power, or His authority, his Priesthood that such things are done. By His say so, and that is because of His honor. In Doctrine and Covenants 29:36 we read that the main reason why Lucifer fell was because he wanted God's power, or in other words, he wanted the honor and glory for himself, for performing the atonement. 

So, God's power, is His honor, but why is honor power? Because God always keeps His promises, and He has promised that as long as we obey Him, we will be saved, or in other words, resurrected with a perfect body, and that our bodies, spirits, and intelligences will no longer be subject to separation. This is not only true for us, His children, but also for the animals, for the trees, even the earth itself. 10th article of faith, "...that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisical glory." Even in Doctrine and Covenants 88:19-20, 130:9 it says that the earth will be crowned with glory, and become immortal.

Doctrine and Covenants 93;33 "For man is spirit. The elements are eternal, and spirit and element, inseparably connected, receive a fullness of joy;" This is why the earth and all of the animals obey God, because He has promised a "fullness of joy", and He keeps His promises. This is why God has said, "...this is my work and my glory - to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man."(Moses 1:39) because God's glory, God's power, God's honor, all comes from our happiness, and we can only be truly happy if we receive eternal life!

I hope that you learned from and understood this post about why the Glory of God is Intelligence.(Doctrine and Covenants 93:36) If you have any questions or comments, please post them. I really want to know what you think, and if I was able to explain this doctrine accurately. For personal research, I was introduced to this doctrine by listening to a talk by W. Cleon Skousen "Meaning of the Atonement". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHan3Y8BxGs

Love,
Jacobugoth